News Shorts l Transformation of Tribal Lives

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

The Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated a conference titled “Transformation of Tribal Lives through Science and Technological Interventions - Preserving Language, Faith and Culture” at Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi.

The conference was well-attended by people from various socio-economic strata and saw conducive engagement of various stakeholders attending the conference. 

News Shorts l Ambedkar Jayanti

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

The Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla paying floral tributes to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar on the occasion of his 136th Birth Anniversary, in New Delhi on April 14, 2026.

News Shorts l Cleanliness Drive organised by Department of Legal Affairs

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law & Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal interacting with media during the cleanliness drive organised by the Department of Legal Affairs (DLA), in New Delhi on April 14, 2026.

The minister said that aligning with the PM's vision and mission of 'Swachch Bharat Abhiyan' various government departments are taking such initiatives; both to create awareness about the mission, as well as, to clean the city.

Press Release l Prime Minister's Office

Prime Minister extends greetings on Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has extended greetings on the occasion of Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti.

In a post on X, he said,

“Happy Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti!”

Press Release l Ministry of Road Transport & Highways

• MoRTH notifies amendment to streamline fee for overloaded vehicles on National Highways

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2026, aimed at strengthening enforcement and ensuring rationalized fee collection for overloaded vehicles on National Highways.

The amended rules will come into force from 15th April, 2026.

As per the notification, a revised framework has been introduced under Rule 10 for levy of fees on vehicles carrying loads beyond the permissible Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).

The amendment seeks to promote compliance with prescribed load limits and enhance road safety while protecting highway infrastructure.

Key Highlights:

• Revised Fee Structure for Overloading:
• Vehicles found carrying excess load will be charged based on the percentage of overloading:
• Up to 10% excess load: No overload fee
• Over 10% and up to 40%: Fee charged at 2 times the base rate
• Above 40%: Fee charged at 4 times the base rate

Scientific Weight Measurement:

Overloading will be determined using certified weight measurement devices installed at fee plazas.

No Fee Without Weighment Facility:

In cases where weighment facilities are not available at fee plazas, no overload fee shall be levied.

Digital Payment Mandate:

Overloading fees shall be collected through FASTag only.

Mandatory Reporting:

Details of overloaded vehicles will be recorded and reported to the National Vehicle Register (VAHAN).

FASTag Compliance:

Vehicles entering National Highways without a valid FASTag will attract applicable provisions under existing rules.

Applicability Clause:

The provisions will not apply to certain private investment projects executed prior to commencement, unless concessionaires consent to adopt the revised rules.

Illustration Provided in Rules:

The notification includes a detailed illustration explaining calculation of overload fees for different categories of vehicles based on permissible weight limits, ensuring clarity and transparency in implementation.

The amendment is expected to improve compliance, reduce road damage caused by overloaded vehicles, and promote safer and more efficient movement of goods across National Highways seamless with WIM.

Press Release l Prime Minister's Office

• Prime Minister shares an article on India’s growing strength in the pharma sector

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has shared an article written by Union Minister, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda.

The article highlights that India’s pharma sector is moving from being the “pharmacy of the world” to a hub of innovation. It notes that under the present government, the focus has been on extensive research and development, biologics, biosimilars and cutting-edge therapies, as India prepares to lead the global race in this sector.

The Prime Minister’s Office posted on X;

“From the “pharmacy of the world” to a hub of innovation, India’s pharma sector is moving up the value chain. Under the present government, the focus has been on extensive R&D, biologics, biosimilars and cutting-edge therapies.

A must-read retrospection by Union Minister Shri @JPNadda on how India is preparing to lead the global race in this sector!

Udayan Care hosts #TKMU PEP Program Workshop for Shalinis

By - Aanya

#TKMU PEP Program that is fast positioning itself as the holistic program for skilling, scaling fused with ultimate applause and recognition; was very recently hosted at Jagshanti Udayan Ghar in Greater Noida. A chapter of Udayan Care, around 30 shalinis took part in the program that honed their skills in the creative landscape.

One of the shalinis, Subhashini, with a rare talent of singing Sanskrit songs fluently said, "what I really liked about the workshop is that more than being interactive, it is a production-oriented workshop, each of the girls will carry a tangible deliverable with her, after the workshop".

The workshop was graced by Deepak Sharma, Trustee, Udayan Care and Co-Convener of the Greater Noida Chapter. His presence and guidance added great value to the workshop. A mentor-mentee meeting was also conducted by Deepak Sharma, where he interacted with his mentees and provided valuable insights and guidance.

The Season 2 workshops of 'Talennt Ka Maha Utsav' has emphasis on “Creating content and films with Societal Significance perspective”. Lord Baden-Powell National Award winning film-maker, Amit R Agrwal specially conducted the workshop for shalinis in person, "I have conducted workshops worldwide, I am in Italy, mid-June to August-end conducting another set - but the kind of ideas and the proactive approach to the workshop I saw here, was probably the first of it's kind".

During the session, Shalinis were divided into groups. They self-assigned themselves different social-topics. Each group actively discussed and presented their ideas with confidence and clarity. The topics were:

• Group 1: Gender Equality
• Group 2: Pollution
• Group 3: Addiction to Social Media
• Group 4: Restrictions on Girls
• Group 5: Online Gaming
• Group 6: Peer Pressure

All groups performed very well and shared thoughtful perspectives. Their presentations reflected creativity, awareness, and strong teamwork.

One of the Shalinis also received gift from the sponsors Gem Mines and Rekha Vohraa Foundation, as a token of appreciation.

Each of the participants opined that the workshop was highly interactive, engaging, and informative. It helped Shalinis understand the importance of content creation as a medium to highlight social issues and create a positive impact in society and be the change-makers, the society needs.

BBN Internship Program l Art hidden in everyday spaces

By - Jui Deshpande

Art is primarily imagined to be in museums, galleries or famous paintings. Yet, if you look around, art is present everywhere. From the design of buildings to nature. The colours of a small shop in the corner of the street, patterns inside auto rickshaw, wall arts or even the tiles in your residential buildings. It’s often overlooked. We can say there are 3 types : Street-level art, Functional art, and Unintentional art.

Street level art which includes shop banners, wall art, street murals and also truck/auto designs. We can easily spot unique designs and colour combinations that stand out if observed well. In a life full of hurry, we often fail to notice the simple but long-existing form of art.

Functional art, rangoli outside homes, mehendi, embroidery, fabric prints and paints. Not just art but the traditions that have existed in our country for centuries. Rangoli patterns change with festivals, mehendi carries cultural and emotional significance, and embroidery reflects regional styles and craftsmanship. Blending creativity with everyday life.

And lastly, something we all do without even realising it is unintentional art. Notebook doodles, café chalkboards and even food plating falls in this category. A quick sketch during a lecture, a creatively written menu, or the way food is arranged on a plate shows how naturally creativity exists in daily routines. These forms may seem easy and casual, but they reflect creativity in its most natural and effortless form.

Perhaps the difference between art and the ordinary lies not in the object itself, but in the way we perceive it. Much of what we dismiss as everyday may hold creativity and expression that we simply fail to notice.

News Shorts l Ran Samwad 2026

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan in a group photograph during the Ran Samwad 2026, in Bengaluru on April 10, 2026.

Ran Samwad - what is Ran Samwad 2026

Ran Samwad 2026 - a two-day national seminar organized to address the growing complexity of modern warfare.

IMPORTANCE

Ran Samwad 2026 is important because it prepares India for future wars, not past conflicts.

It also holds significance because of following points:

• Strengthens jointness among armed forces
• Focuses on speed, technology, and intelligence
• Builds a roadmap for decision superiority
• The seminar reaffirmed India’s commitment to becoming a modern, integrated military power.

Press Release l Rajya Sabha Secretariat

• Rajya Sabha Chairman, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan administers oath to Shri Nitish Kumar

Hon'ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan today administered oath in the Parliament House to the newly elected member Shri Nitish Kumar, representing the state of Bihar. Shri Nitish Kumar took the oath in Hindi language.

Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance, and Corporate Affairs; Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of Panchayati Raj, and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Law and Justice; Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Leader of the House, Rajya Sabha and Minister of Health and Family Welfare, and Chemicals and Fertilizers; Shri Samrat Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar; Shri Jairam Ramesh, Shri Rajeev Shukla and Shri Sanjay Kumar Jha, Members, Rajya Sabha; Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Member, Lok Sabha; Shri P. C. Mody, Secretary General, Rajya Sabha and other senior officers of the secretariat were also present on the occasion.

Press Release l Ministry of Ayush

• Ministry of Ayush Marks World Homoeopathy Day 2026 with National Celebration on “Homoeopathy for Sustainable Health”
• India’s Homoeopathy Sector Strengthening Through Research, Regulation and Institutional Support: Shri Prataprao Jadhav
• “Evidence-Based Advancement and Sustained Research Are Key to Strengthening Homoeopathy Globally”: Shri Prataprao Jadhav
• “Government Strengthening Ayush Ecosystem Through Infrastructure, Digital Platforms and Research” — Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha

The Ministry of Ayush commemorated World Homoeopathy Day 2026 Centred on the theme “Homoeopathy for Sustainable Health,” with a grand inaugural ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, researchers, practitioners, academicians and students from across the country. The event marked the birth anniversary of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann and underscored the expanding role of homoeopathy in advancing inclusive and sustainable healthcare.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, said, "Over the years, India has developed a strong and expanding homoeopathy workforce, supported by robust institutions and research bodies. Organisations such as CCRH, NCH and NIH are continuously strengthening the scientific foundation, regulatory framework and public trust in Homoeopathy through research, education and quality healthcare delivery, thereby contributing meaningfully to accessible and affordable healthcare across the country."

Shri Jadhav emphasized that evidence-based advancement, interdisciplinary collaboration and sustained research are essential to further strengthen Homoeopathy as a credible and globally relevant system of medicine. He highlighted the importance of enhancing scientific studies, improving standards of education and fostering stronger coordination among practitioners, researchers and policy makers to ensure high-quality, patient-centric healthcare. He further reiterated the Government’s commitment to promoting a holistic and sustainable healthcare model in alignment with national priorities and global health goals.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, noted that the Government is strengthening the Ayush ecosystem through investments in infrastructure, expansion of services, and digital platforms such as the Ayush Grid and HMIS to support evidence-based healthcare delivery. He also highlighted efforts to modernize education and training systems to build a skilled and future-ready workforce.

Shri Kotecha further underlined that India has emerged as a global leader in homoeopathy, supported by strong institutional networks and growing emphasis on research and standardization, contributing to accessible and sustainable healthcare.

Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Ms. Alarmelmangai D., highlighted that Homoeopathy continues to play a vital role in India’s healthcare system, with a strong emphasis on institutional growth, standardization, and global outreach. She noted that initiatives such as the National Register for Practitioners of Homoeopathy are enhancing transparency and strengthening the professional ecosystem, while the expanding network of educational institutions and practitioners reflects the system’s growing acceptance. She further stressed the need to align this expansion with high standards in clinical training and pharmaceutical quality to ensure safe, reliable, and effective patient care.

Advisor (Homoeopathy), Ministry of Ayush, Dr. Preetha Kizhakkutil said that Homoeopathy offers a patient-centric and cost-effective approach to healthcare, with significant potential in preventive and chronic disease management. She noted that ongoing initiatives under the Ministry are improving accessibility and integration, while continued focus on education, research, and ethical practice is strengthening the system’s credibility and reach

The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Subhash Kaushik, Director General, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy noted "World Homoeopathy Day has evolved into an important national and international platform that reflects the growing recognition of homoeopathy. This forum brings together researchers, practitioners, educators and policymakers to promote dialogue, innovation and collaboration. Our focus today is to strengthen the link between research, policy and practice so that scientific knowledge can translate into meaningful public health outcomes.”

Dr. Tarkeshwar Jain, Chairperson, National Commission for Homoeopathy emphasised “Homoeopathy in India today is not merely an alternative but is established as a mainstream system of medicine, supported by more than 3.45 lakh registered practitioners and 291 educational institutions. Through the National Commission for Homoeopathy, we are strengthening transparency, quality in education, and ethical standards to further enhance the credibility and effectiveness of the system.”

On the occasion, a series of important publications and knowledge resources were released, including the new official logo of CCRH and the event souvenir. Key publications unveiled included “CCRH Journey: Publication Outreach and Knowledge Dissemination”, a monograph on Acorus calamus, and “Scientific Perspectives of Homoeopathic Medicines: A Practitioner’s Guide”. The revamped newsletter of CCRH and the latest issue of the Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy (IJRH), Volume 20 Issue 1, were also released, along with Volume 2 of the Act, Rules and Regulations by the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH).

On the digital front, key initiatives included a certification course on the Ayush Grid portal, AI-enabled knowledge dissemination content, IRINS integration, a Hindi Shabdkosh website, and an audio-visual compilation of nationwide activities conducted during Homoeopathic Awareness Week (April 1–7, 2026).

The event reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to strengthening homoeopathy as an evidence-based, accessible, and patient-centric system of healthcare. With a continued focus on research, education, digital integration, and public outreach, the Ministry of Ayush aims to further enhance the role of homoeopathy in delivering affordable and holistic healthcare to all sections of society.

BBN Internship Program l Comfort in a cup

By - Jui Deshpande

All around the world, whenever people seek comfort, they turn towards one specific drink. Every country has that one cup which can put mind and body at ease. No matter what, the drink stays and is passed on to generations and generations.

India, for years now, turned towards chai. Bad day? Chai. Celebration? Chai. 

Just like this, Japan turns to green tea. Italy to coffee and the United Kingdom to black tea. 

In India, chai is more than just a drink. It’s an emotion. It's part of everyday life for many. It is offered to guests, shared during endless conversations and often becomes a reason to pause in the middle of a busy day. It brings people together, it doesn’t matter where. There are endless stories where chai brought people together.

In Japan, green tea symbolizes tranquility and is closely tied into daily activities and rituals such as the tea ceremony that reflect attention to detail and mindfulness.

In Italy, coffee is an important part of life but serves a functional purpose and is typically consumed on the run, such as standing at a bar for an espresso during the day while in the UK, tea provides a comfort to people while engaging in activity, so it is often associated with having a break or conversation (as well as routine).

Despite the differences in culture, the idea remains the same. Comfort is often found in the simplest things. These drinks are not just about taste, but about routine, connection, and familiarity. Whether it is a cup of chai or coffee, they create small moments of pause and calm in everyday life. In the end, across the world, comfort often comes down to something as simple as a warm cup in our hands.